Instant Gavel by Concierge Auctions is the modern way of buying and selling high-value homes, all online. We are a digital auction platform purpose-built to replace the uncertainty of the traditional luxury real estate market with transparency, speed, and competition. We are a tool for listing agents and sellers to use to sell their properties and a transparent marketplace for buyers to bid on property without negotiating.

We bring you the market. You submit the property details. We, in conjunction with your listing agent, promote your property with world-class marketing assets to consolidate buyer interest. The auction will be marketed with a estimated sale price and Instant Gavel price for 3-4 weeks. Once the reserve is met or the high bid accepted, closing typically takes 1–6 weeks. See our How It Works page for more detail.

The world's finest art, automobiles, and antiques are sold at auction — so, too, is luxury real estate. The question is not whether to auction instead of selling traditionally; we are an added tool rather than an alternative, and in all instances, we partner with a listing broker on each sale. We know from experience that the traditional brokerage model has limitations, especially in the luxury realm. In this rarified air where the buyer pool is limited, properties simply aren’t liquid, even in healthy market conditions. Auctions provide a platform for an efficient, transparent, and competitive sale of high-end real estate, driven by a sense of urgency and our global database. Our typical auction process is twice as fast as a traditional listing.

No, we do not accept distressed properties. Our typical seller chooses to auction to control the timing of their sale.

Auctions are conducted online at InstantGavel.com. The bidding window on each property page refers to the start and end date of the auction.

1. Instant Gavel by Concierge Auctions includes access to Concierge Auctions global database of one million property connoisseurs and top producing agents and potential exposure to Sotheby’s auction house clientele.

2. Every property receives a world-class, award winning luxury property marketing package including a property page on our proprietary online auction platform.

The property is marketed with an "Estimated Sale Price," which we believe to be a competitive market price for the property. The reserve price—the minimum you are willing to accept—cannot be higher than the low end of this estimated range. You always have the ability to accept the highest bid received if below the range.

We do not charge any fees to sellers and we cover up to 5% of all agent commissions. Our fee comes from a buyer’s premium paid by the buyer. Sellers pay agent commissions as outlined in their listing agreement and Instant Gavel will reimburse this cost at closing.

The process typically results in 2–5 qualified buyers competing for your property.

The only minimum bid required is one bid above the current high bid. The property will sell at or above a predetermined reserve amount, but the seller can also sell to any bid even if below the reserve price.

A buyer may register and place a bid at any point or submit a bid at the Instant Gavel price at any point before the auction reserve is met. Other offers will not be entertained. Once the reserve is met, the Instant Gavel bid cannot be placed.

Once the hammer falls, the buyer and seller are responsible for signing the Purchase and Sale Agreement within two business days of the auction closing. The buyer is responsible for submitting their earnest money deposit within two business days. The seller's designated closing agent and listing agent will conduct the closing. The seller pays for the title commitment and the title policy. All other closing costs, the recording of the deed, conveyance and any and all transfer and/or conveyance taxes or documentary fees and recording costs shall be paid by buyer.

If a buyer defaults, any deposits received are split between the seller and Instant Gavel. We may move to a backup bidder within 5 business days, provided the owner is made whole.

The protection “tail” period ensures we are compensated for our marketing efforts if the property is not sold during the bidding window.

The Auction Agreement clearly outlines your commitments to us and our commitments to you, allowing us to work towards a successful outcome at auction. The Auction Agreement has been reviewed by thousands of sellers, attorneys, and brokers who have engaged with Concierge Auctions over the past 16+ years.

We are an auction house and not a brokerage firm. Listing agents are necessary to manage local activity, showings, and open houses, which are vital to an auction’s performance. The majority of buyer demand filters through the local market, whether they are local or not. Managing local listings requires local expertise, therefore, having an agent greatly increases the probability of successful sale. Over two decades, we have found that local buyers often prefer to work directly with the listing agent or a local brokerage community. Buyers appreciate the ability to speak with a local agent to get a professional opinion on the property. We have never auctioned a property without partnering with a listing agent.

The only minimum bid required is one bid above the current high bid. The property will sell at or above a predetermined reserve amount, but the seller can also sell to any bid even if below the reserve price.

You may register to bid entirely online on any property page by clicking "Register to Bid." Our registration process has three steps: 

1. Verify your identity

2. Agree to the Bidder Terms and Conditions

3. Submit your proof of funds and credit card pre-authorization hold

You may register to bid entirely online on any property page on InstantGavel.com.

Registration status is visible within your bidder dashboard on our digital platform.

A reserve is the minimum price at which a lot will be sold. Sellers can accept any bid and sell the property even if beneath the reserve. If the bidding fails to reach the reserve price, the property will remain unsold unless the seller accepts a bid beneath the reserve. The reserve will not be higher than the low end of the estimated sale price.

The "Estimated Sale Price" is the range of outcomes we believe to be a competitive market price for the property. A bid placed within the estimated sale price range has a strong likelihood of winning, in our opinion. The reserve price cannot be higher than the low end of this estimated range.

You can set a single bid or a max bid during registration, but it is not required.